01/23/2011

Our 3 year old boy has a rather large imagination and absolutely no verbal filter. Also, he can't seem to remember to pee in the toilet and not in the bathtub- he has the entire 1st verse and chorus of Eye of The Tiger memorized. I think kids are much smarter than we sometimes give them credit for...and much more manipulative. There are those who joke about cats plotting to take over the world...I think it's the 3 year olds.

Last week, Grandma Sherry was driving the both of us home after we gave daddy a free pass to watch football without any distractions. It was nice to get to spend the entire day with my parents. Stephan's only request was that I bring him home some dinner leftovers, which were nicely packed in the front seat with me. Vitale and I were having a nice little conversation, and smack in the middle of my response, he politely holds up one finger (cutting me off completely), turns to grandma and says in his sweetest voice, "Umm, Grandma Sherry? I am berry hungwy...I think I need to go to McDonald's". "Oh, really??" she says back at him. "Yes, I really need a Happy Meal with chicken nuggets, french fries and a boy toy". He smiles manipulatively..."can you please take me to McDonald's?". Are you kidding me?! Did he really just pull one over on her...that would never work on me (or would it?). Sure enough, grandma smiled back brightly and pulled into the nearest Mickey D's. A half hour later when we get home, I'm in trouble because now, formerly blissful dad is starving!

Now, if Vitale tried to get his way with me in the same manner as he does with the grandparents, I might think it's cute. However, less than a month ago when he didn't get his way and threw a tantrum (over having to take ONE bite of macaroni), I did the bad mom thing and faked a call to Santa to let him know that Vitale wouldn't eat his dinner. I told Vitale that Santa said he would not be bringing him any toys for Christmas if he didn't take just one bite of his dinner. What does little Talee do? He picked up his imaginary phone, holds it to his ear and says, "Hey ninjas? Will you kill Santa? Ok, thanks.". Again, Are you KIDDING me?! Did my 3 year old just order a hit on Santa?!!

There are some pretty funny things that come out of his mouth though. For instance, the other day the 3 of us were passing our favorite Mexican restaurant where we had recently gone to eat with my dad and Sherry. Vitale looked out the window and excitedly shrieked, "Look!! That's where me and my Grandpa Jim and the Mexicans ate our food!". Now those are the comments I really get a kick out of. If only they were all so harmless and adorable.

01/17/2011

Yeah, baby- that's what I said!
Me and my fiance of one year decided to stop messing around with the hmm-ing and ha-ing and just get married while on our annual South Lake Tahoe trip with his mom. Neither one of us are any good at making a decision and sticking with it, so at the rate we were going it was never. going. to. happen. So we dove in head first, made the arrangements and gave a few close family members a nice, long, 2-week notice. It was not the wedding that either of us had in mind, but after effortless planning and my fabulous fresh-off-the-runway STEAL...I wish we had thought of it all sooner.

The Dress
Here's a little advice for those of you who want a stellar wedding gown, but refuse to pay retail (this is where I break the cardinal rule of dress shopping). Visit all of those high-end boutiques you've been too scared to enter and try on ANY dress, no matter what those nasty little price-tags say! Find "the one", get measured, then go home and visit PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com. This is where I found my Spring 2011 Allure gown. Straight off the runway, unaltered and roughly $2,000 less that what it is to be sold for when it comes available to the general public. This site is any bride's dream...you can find designer label gowns from names such as; Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Pronovias and even some vintage classics for prices so low that it makes you feel a little guilty by just looking at them. Some are from brides that wore it once, some are sample gowns, and then there are a few runway beauties like the one I scored. I worked with a wonderful woman from a boutique called, Send In The Gowns (preownedweddingdresses seller).

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The Ceremony
Although we ALWAYS stay-and-play at Harvey's Lake Tahoe Casino, we fell in love with the elegance of the wedding chapel at Montbleu Resort & Casino- conveniently located directly across the street! Of course, I still opted to take the limo that came free with my wedding package...don't worry, I'll get there!
The VIEW

Though I wanted badly to have the entire ceremony at this heavenly place, I opted to just have the photos done here for fear of frostbite. It was after all, the first week in January. The hike wasn't easy in boots, let alone my double platform, stiletto boots- but it was all worth it when we got to the top and the view of Emerald Bay took our breath away.

Who did the work? Not me!

From the booking of locations, to the flowers, the photographer, limo and the licensing, Dorie from Lake Of The Sky Weddings took care of it all. After a few add-ons that we opted for last-minute, Dorie's bill came to only a little over $1,300. AMAZING!

10/10/2010

I remember it like it was yesterday...I discovered something that made my mouth water, my body tingle and had me in a semi-psychotic state of giddy delirium. The find that could possibly quench my thirst for the Un-attainable, haute couture fashion. With the world-wide-web and all of it's wonders, the fact that I live in Boise, Idaho was no longer the issue- it was the price tag that comes along with those beautiful designer labels. Fret no more! I was bombarded by an array of the "members-only" online sample sale websites.

Ideeli.com came first. I was stunned that I could purchase a Betsey Johnson necklace for $25. So that's what I did. I bought the darn thing, along with a cute little Boy Meets Girl tee.

It was Hautelook.com that really took me by surprise though. I had been on the hunt for a perfect pair of jeans for a LONG time and found the cutest pair of rhinestone-studded bootleg jeans with just the right amount of "stretch" by Rock and Republic for a mere (hold your breath) $50. Yes, I mean it, FIFTY DOLLARS!! With the denim and a few other choice discount items, I thought it may be smart to have them delivered to my place of work instead of my home. This way, if I don't like it and choose to make a return, Stephan wouldn't have an un-necessary heart-attack (in case you've been wondering, Stephan is my breath-takingly handsome fiance, who is actually, very supportive of my buying habits but sometimes forces me to take a 'rational' look at my spending- and I'm happier with being in complete denial).

Then came the Gilt. I have not made a spelling error, mind you. I am not speaking of that heart sinking feeling one experiences when making a big oops that requires an apology. I'm referring to the Mount Olympus of designer sample sales- Gilt.com or Gilt Group. If you are craving labels such as, Dolce & Gabanna, Burberry, Oscar de la Renta, and Fendi on a regular basis- this is where you need to be. I about had a Couture-induced seizure when I stumbled upon this fashionista's paradise. Don't even ask me what I bought or spent here, I am determined to remain in denial and even is Stephan...yes, even him.

Eventually, I stopped working as an assistant and began working on my Fashion degree full-time. Thus, the packages began arriving at home and the available funds in my bank account started to dwindle, leaving me at a shopping stand-still. However, these websites are great at keeping me informed of the latest sales and events that happen daily. Though I am forced to take a break, you should check them out! I have compiled a nice little list below...happy shopping!

09/22/2010

No, they're not new and I can't tell you where they came from- just another stellar gift from my fiance some years back. I had quite the time tucking my Guess, Daredevil Jeans into them though...

We found this great wicker chair hidden in an industrial part of town and I really wanted to take it home- unfortunately, Stephan thought it may have been someone's "smoke-break" lounger. I thought the poor thing looked lonely and needed to be loved.

09/21/2010

Once upon a lazy Saturday, I so conveniently stumbled upon Kelly Framel's blog, The Glamourai. With a rather lengthy list of to-do's in mind, I had only moments to get my fashion-fix before snapping myself back into reality- but something rather strange happened. My clock had somehow jumped forward 2 hours and there were multiple tabs open on my browser, displaying words like, "vintage-inspired" and "1920's clothing".

When my fiance' asked what the crap I was doing, I blamed it on her... With over 5,000 blog followers, you know that there is something to love about The Glamourai. She is a Vintage addict and accessory master, which gives me reason enough to adore her- but there's something else that sets her apart from the other thousands of vintage-clad fashionistas and keeps me following. Kelly Framel's fashion creations are masterful works of fine artistry. Not to mention the fact that we share a sometimes, overly-obsessive eBay dependency.

So can you blame me for the consistent Pay pal hits to my bank account, or for the fact that local thrift store owners and I know each other by first-name? No, no- I am simply seeking inspiration from a girl who's heart, is like that of my own. It's just too bad that I could never pull-off that adorable haircut. theglamourai.blogspot.com

07/30/2010

I am officially taking a stab at this whole stay-at-home momma thing. Stephan's business has taken off enough for me to justify my nearly non-existant job search (you know, if something FABULOUS comes up with a nice salary to match, I may consider applying) and I can focus primarily on being a mother, student of fashion and attempt to keep up with the neverending list of household chores.

This also comes with a nice bonus for Stephan- I will now be taking over the invoicing and marketing side of his business! So really, I AM working- it's just a part-time job with the added benefit of being able to telecommute! I AM ECSTATIC!

There are many who have doubted my ability to ever become a well-adjusted domesticated woman, but now that I have time on my hands-it will be just fine. In my defense- before Stephan, I never cared about making someone dinner and I also have ALWAYS had a full-time job. How hard could it possibly be to wake up a little later than usual, get ready for the day (make-up and heels included), take Vitale to Pre-school and do a few chores??

06/02/2010

As a mother/fiance/wife, it's not only tough to make TIME for yourself, it's very difficult to come up with a good reason to BUY something for yourself. I'm not talking about cooking utensils or a new sofa- things the rest of the family can enjoy that are totally justifiable- I'm talking about those totally selfish things like JEWLERY or...A new pair of shoes.

I spend hours of each day surfing the stores and the net, oogling at items that I love so more than I actually need them. After the oogling, I try and convince myself that I DESERVE that oh-so-gorgeous enamel bracelet that costs $399.99. Then I snapped myself back to reality, clicked the back button on my browser and came face to face with a Tiffany Blue ad and my two new best friends, Stella & Dot. The ad also showcased an enamel cuff bracelet that was even MORE beautiful and WAY less expensive than the one that could have put me into a quick state of buyer's remorse. Take a look at THIS beauty!

"So..." You may ask. "how MUCH less expensive is this?? It only $89.00, my dear, and the necklace that goes with it is absolutely stunning and costs only $89.00 also.

This company is Stella & Dot. I researched them and it is like no company I've ever been apart of. You can be a part of it, or simply invite all of your girfriends over to Host a Trunk show. Either way- you can justify you lust for beautiful jewelry without breaking the bank, or slacking on giving your kids their allowance.

Sign up and immediatley recieve $350 in FREE jewelry PLUS get paid commission and earn more free jewelry. You can also contact me, simply host a Trunk Show and earn up to $250 in jewelry and get 50% off MORE jewelry. The most beautiful part of this business is, I get to make my own hours, spend more time with my family, make money AND look beautiful :)